(508) EMERGING TRENDS IN THE CHURCH TODAY: The Role of Women in the Church – Part 3. The Truth About Women Pastors by Voddie Baucham

“The Truth About Women Pastors | Voddie Baucham, Beth Moore, Victoria Osteen, Joyce Meyer”

Again, a seemingly difficult subject to talk about today – a much different environment than even 20-30 years ago.

Voddie Baucham, as usual, gives a clear interpretation of Scripture. He takes a stand on what Scripture says – no matter who the audience is – even on CNN.

The main point of the video is about women pastors in the church today – he looks at several scriptural passages which, again, clearly define the role of pastor in the church to males. It is not based on ability, skill, or talent. It is based on assigned roles that differ between men and women.

Let me first say that where I differ somewhat from Voddie Baucham’s view is in regards to women leadership in society. I think the Bible is clear about the role of men as pastors, elders, leaders in the church. But it does show women leading other groups in Scripture with the most well known example of Deborah. The implication in this video is that just because Deborah lead Israel does not mean that was normative in Scripture. His reference to the passage in Isaiah implies that when women lead a nation, it reflects God’s judgement upon that nation. I have never heard of that view before and will have to give it more thought.

That said, we are faced with many churches today who act contrary to God’s word. Rhetorically asking – is that sinning against God? The common response that some use is that a woman feels called to lead and pastor a church. But a couple of points in response to that idea. First, shouldn’t we compare anything and everything to the word of God to determine if it is true or not? Instead, many base their decision on their own personal feelings and bypass God’s word. Do you really want to base anything on someone’s feelings over the word of God?.

Secondly, a common response is that these verses about male headship in family and in church doesn’t apply to today’s society. Voddie Baucham deals with this – again clearly – asking us if we want to make our determination based on what society says we should do – a society that increasingly hates things of God?

Third, some will say that the passage in Timothy has to do with a local problem at the church in Ephesus. Since it is a local, culturural issue, it doesn’t apply to our culture today. I would ask how sure are you that is why the passage is included in Timothy? When you add local cultural viewpoints, you are relying on ideas that are not stated in the Bible. Again, you have to base your view on God’s word. When you bring in outside references and hold them higher than what Scripture says, you are opening yourself up to error.

Any of these reasons are also included in other teachings which are contrary to the God’s word. People will justify same-sex marriage and homosexuality by applying these methods into Scripture with twisting what is plainly stated into something sanitized with today’s cultural view. A culture that doesn’t love God.

Some will say that this is a side issue, a non-critical issue, a non-important issue….etc. But, that doesn’t really fly far when it is a doctrine taught in the Bible starting with the very first book of Genesis. Both family issues as well as leadership in the body of Christ are very important issues throughout the New Testament and they point to the relationship of Christ to the church. What is not important from any of these points?

The best way to interpret Scripture is with other Scripture. An additional point should be made is that historically, the church has viewed this topic consistently with male leadership roles in the church and family. It seem like today, we have a bigger problem with this issue – why is that? As stated in the previous posts, men and women are valued the same. This issue has to do with roles. And as difficult as it may seam to some, it is a biblical issue that affects two very important part of our lives – the family structure and leadership in the church. We may not fully understand why God does things, but that shouldn’t override clear teaching from God’s word.